Comments on: Artists to Watch in 2008 (Part 5 of 5): Critic’s Picks http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/ The latest country music news and reviews. Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:18:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Album Review: James Otto - Sunset Man -- The 9513 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-65527 Album Review: James Otto - Sunset Man -- The 9513 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:04:16 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-65527 [...] Otto has garnered a few mentions on The 9513 thus far, including making Jim Malec’s list of Artists to Watch in 2008, but even so, his name may not be familiar. Hopefully that will change with the release of his [...] […] Otto has garnered a few mentions on The 9513 thus far, including making Jim Malec’s list of Artists to Watch in 2008, but even so, his name may not be familiar. Hopefully that will change with the release of his […]

]]> By: Brad http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-53135 Brad Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:50:15 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-53135 Mando Saenz has been one of my favorite songwriters for four years now. If you like this new record (which is fantastic by the way) do yourself a favor and pick up his Watertown album too. He's the real deal. Mando Saenz has been one of my favorite songwriters for four years now. If you like this new record (which is fantastic by the way) do yourself a favor and pick up his Watertown album too. He’s the real deal.

]]> By: Cindy http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-53133 Cindy Sat, 02 Feb 2008 02:29:25 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-53133 I wrote the owners of this site to see if they are going to give this artist any coverage, but I thought I'd post it here as well. I just discovered Mando Saenz courtesy of the listening party for his cd being released next week courtesy of CMT.com. Now, its not traditional country by any sense of the word. But something about it sounds very meaningful I guess for where I am in my life right now. I think I described it to a friend as "Music for grownups." On his website, you can check out lyrics to all of the songs on the cd.. pretty deep. Lets just say if you hate songs about drinking in Mexico, shift work, getting your drink on (and all its variations), you might find something that resonates here. Some songs co-written by Kim Richey. Really interesting artist. Check him out. I wrote the owners of this site to see if they are going to give this artist any coverage, but I thought I’d post it here as well.
I just discovered Mando Saenz courtesy of the listening party for his cd being released next week courtesy of CMT.com.
Now, its not traditional country by any sense of the word. But something about it sounds very meaningful I guess for where I am in my life right now.
I think I described it to a friend as “Music for grownups.”
On his website, you can check out lyrics to all of the songs on the cd.. pretty deep. Lets just say if you hate songs about drinking in Mexico, shift work, getting your drink on (and all its variations), you might find something that resonates here. Some songs co-written by Kim Richey.
Really interesting artist. Check him out.

]]> By: Minnie Murphy http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-50850 Minnie Murphy Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:14:22 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-50850 Hey I'm Minnie Murphy and I just want to say that I'm so happy to make this list. Music changes lives and I just want everyone to know that there's no holding back from me on this tremendous opportunity. Don't underestimate Montage. Allen Butler and most of his team broke the Dixie Chicks. Cheers to independent labels who have some guts! Hey I’m Minnie Murphy and I just want to say that I’m so happy to make this list. Music changes lives and I just want everyone to know that there’s no holding back from me on this tremendous opportunity. Don’t underestimate Montage. Allen Butler and most of his team broke the Dixie Chicks. Cheers to independent labels who have some guts!

]]> By: Matt Wilson http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49997 Matt Wilson Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:18:08 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49997 Each of them are very talented. Lady A. has a great sound, and James Otto has such a unique voice. But I am pulling for Minnie Murphy. Her songwriting skills can blow you away. She is also good live. Each of them are very talented. Lady A. has a great sound, and James Otto has such a unique voice.

But I am pulling for Minnie Murphy. Her songwriting skills can blow you away. She is also good live.

]]> By: Christy http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49826 Christy Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:14:35 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49826 You are 100% accurate.. Minnie Murphy is among one of the most talented artists in Nashville. She is a true class-act! You are 100% accurate.. Minnie Murphy is among one of the most talented artists in Nashville. She is a true class-act!

]]> By: Jon Walker http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49819 Jon Walker Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:02:52 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49819 Outstanding list. I'm big fans of every artist that made the tops. In particular I'm excited to see what comes from Montage and Minnie Murphy. She's got a completely unique style and a sort of "vintage" vibe similar to that which has helped propel Amy Winehouse into the spotlight. James Otto has been at it for a long time and I truly believe that his talent and persistence will eventually pay off. He's a class act. Outstanding list. I’m big fans of every artist that made the tops. In particular I’m excited to see what comes from Montage and Minnie Murphy. She’s got a completely unique style and a sort of “vintage” vibe similar to that which has helped propel Amy Winehouse into the spotlight.

James Otto has been at it for a long time and I truly believe that his talent and persistence will eventually pay off. He’s a class act.

]]> By: Cindy http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49652 Cindy Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:28:52 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49652 Boomer, you're going to have to back up your opinion far better, especially when it comes to Otto's vocals being "second rate". I honestly don't know what you are listening to. That being said, he does face some challenges: -What he does best, defies easy pigeon holing. If he lets himself submit to the Nashville machine, he's doomed. Boomer, you’re going to have to back up your opinion far better, especially when it comes to Otto’s vocals being “second rate”. I honestly don’t know what you are listening to.

That being said, he does face some challenges:
-What he does best, defies easy pigeon holing. If he lets himself submit to the Nashville machine, he’s doomed.

]]> By: Boomer http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49585 Boomer Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:29:02 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49585 James Otto stuns everyone-at first. Then you get to "know" him as an artist and he's-boring. Killer songwriter alright; totally kills interest in him. If that's the best he could do in 7 years of inside mentoring. Hacked, cliché lyrics and sound alike melodies, boring subjects and second rate vocals when he's not outright doing his Seger impression. And the current trend of so many "country" artists to refer to themselves as "soul" "soulful", whatever , is offensive and well, stupid. He's completely boring onstage. There is this overwhelmingly detached aura. How is the American public going to relate? Thumbs down, he'll tank big time. James Otto stuns everyone-at first.
Then you get to “know” him as an artist and he’s-boring. Killer songwriter alright; totally kills interest in him. If that’s the best he could do in 7 years of inside mentoring. Hacked, cliché lyrics and sound alike melodies, boring subjects and second rate vocals when he’s not outright doing his Seger impression. And the current trend of so many “country” artists to refer to themselves as “soul” “soulful”, whatever , is offensive and well, stupid. He’s completely boring onstage. There is this overwhelmingly detached aura. How is the American public going to relate? Thumbs down, he’ll tank big time.

]]> By: Mike W. http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49387 Mike W. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 09:17:02 +0000 http://www.the9513.com/artists-to-watch-in-2008-part-5-of-5-critics-picks/#comment-49387 James Otto looks like a good pick and Lady Antebellum has the potential to be great. I also look forward to what the next "big" Austin artist I discover this year. Last year it was Drew Kennedy. James Otto looks like a good pick and Lady Antebellum has the potential to be great. I also look forward to what the next “big” Austin artist I discover this year. Last year it was Drew Kennedy.

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